Method of making a resealable container



Dec. 8; 1964 A. B. FOYE 3, 6

METHOD OF MAKING A RESEALABLE CONTAINER Original Filed June 2, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig. I

METHOD OF MAKING A RESEALABLE CONTAINER Original Filed June 2, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.5

Dec. 8, 1964 A. B. FOYE 3,150,542

METHOD OF MAKING A RESEALABLE CONTAINER Original Filed June 2, 1959 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 United States Patent 3,160,542 METHGD 61 MAKING A RESEALABLE IGNTAENER Allen B. Foye, West Bridgewater, Mass, assiguor to W. R. Grace 8: (10., Cambridge, Mass, a corporation of Connecticut Griginal application June 2, 1959, Ser. No. 817,590. Divided md this application May 27, rue-s, er. No. 37,544

3 Claims. (Ci. 15-5-6?) The present invention relates to a novel metallic ccntainer and a method of making the same. More pm'ticularly, this invention relates to a novel container made from sheet metal and adapted with a resealable closure, which may be used to hermetically package foodstuff or other material.

This novel container is of the resealable type, i.e. its closure may be simply pried off and then replaced, whenever desired, to efiectively reseal the container. There are other resealable type containers on the market today. Those which have been used to hermetically package foodstufi, however, have been almost exclusively made from glass. This is because of the high rate of losses incurred during storage when the container which is used is made from metal. These losses are due to spoilage either because the vacuum utilized in packaging has become dissipated or because microorganisms have gained ingress into the container. In either case, the loss may generally be attributed to an ineffective seal between the closure and the body of the can.

An object of this invention is a novel metallic container for hermetically packaging food, Whose resealable closure effectively seals the contents of the package from spoilage.

Another object of this invention is a novel container, which performs the above-described function, whose closure may be easily removed and then replaced thereon to efiectively reseal the container after the desired amount of foodstufi is taken therefrom.

Another object of this invention is a novel metallic container, which performs the above-described functions, which is sturdy and not susceptible to breakage or shattering.

A further object of this invention is a container, which fulfills all the above features, and which may be filled and seamed with the standard equipment available today.

FIGURE 1 is a vertical view, partly in section, of my finished resealable container.

FIGURES 2 through 4 me perspective views showing the formation of the cylindrical body used in my invention.

FIGURE Sis a partial perspective view, partly in section, showing the coaxial alignment of the container with the sealing composition-containing inverted closure.

FIGURE 6 is a partial perspective view, pmtly in section, showing a slight impression of the arcuate-shaped edge of the container body into the sealing composition contained in the closure.

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view, partly in section, showing the full impression of the arcuateshaped edge of the container into the sealing composition contained the closure. 7

FIGURE 8 is a partial perspective view, partly in section, showing the finished closure removed from the container and containing the sealing element produced by converting the sealing composition to the solid state while the arcuate-shaped edge is embedded in it.

The composite container of this invention comprises a tubular body 11, in the shape of a cylinder of open end construction having a terminal portion of one end folded ice over reversely upon itself to form an arcuate-shaped edge 12 which is impressed into embedded engagement with an annular sealing element 13:: of a closure 14, as illustrated in FIGURE l.

The closure 14, which is used, has a top panel 15 and a dependent annular skirt lb. The upper wall 17 of the annular skirt 16 is dependent from the periphery of an annular shoulder 19 which lies intermediate the annular skirt 16 and the top panel 15 on the upper side of the closure. The lower wall of the annular skirt 16, however, terminates in an outwardly turned annular rigid bead 1%. An annular channel 21, on the underside of the closure, lies intermediate the annular skirt 16 and the top panel 15. The annular channel 21 is formed because the top panel 15, which is a circular portion, is spacially depressed in relation to both the annular shoulder 19 and the upper Wall of the skirt 16. This channel 21 is in the form of an annular groove which is in receptive position to receive the sealing composition 13. The bed of the channel is defined by the interior surface 22 of the annular shoulder 19, while its sides are defined by the interior surface 23 of the annular skirt 15 and the interior surface 24 of the declined portion of the top panel 15. The upper wall 17 of the skirt 16 is provided with a number of indentations 25 which protrude into the channel, as shown in FIGURE 1. The channel 21 is coated with a lacquer that is compatible with the sealing element 13a. A compatible lacquer is one which will enable a strong adhesive bond to form, either chemically or physically, between the cured sealing composition and the lacquer. Due to the manner'of forming the sealing element 13a, there is impressed therein a channel 27, in the form of an annular ring, of the same dimensions as the arcuate-shaped edge 12 around the mouth of the container hereinafter described.

The tubular body 11, which is used to form this metallic composite, is made from a blank of sheet metal 30. Sections of the longitudinal edges of this blank are bent in the sham of opposed hooks 28, 29, as illustrated in FIG- URE 2. These books are interengaged, as shown in FIGURE 3, and clinched by pressure to form a cylinder of open end construction having a longitudinal seam which transverses its length, as set forth in FIGURE 4. One end of the cylinder is provided with an arcuateshaped edge 12 formed by folding over the terminal portion 12a reversely upon itself. The arcuate-shaped edge 12 provides a smooth annular sealing seat around the open mouth of the container as defined by the inner walls thereof. When the closure 14, heretofore described, is applied to the mouth of the container with a downward pressure, as illustrated in FIGURE 1, this arcuate-shaped edge 12 is impressed into the annular channel'27 of the closures sealing element 13a to provide an effective circumferential seal around the mouth of the container. The opposite end of the cylinder ll is turned outwardly forming a circumferential flange 32 around the walls of the container. This flange 32. is adapted so that it may be secured to an appropriate end closure by a suitable seam after the container is filled. This cylindrical body is tooled so that a circumferential shoulder 31 is formed in the area adjacent arcuate-shaped edge 12. The arcuateshaped edge 12 coated with a lacquer which is non-compatible with the sealing composition utilized in the closure. A non-compatible lacquer is one which will not form either a chemical or physical bond with the sealing composition in the cured state or otherwise.

in the manufacture of this composite container, the closure 14 is inverted so that it rests upon its annular shoulder 19 as illustrated in FIGURE 5. A sealing composition 13 is introduced into the annular channel 21, the entrance to which is now exposed in the underside of the closure, in the conventional manner known in the art. This is generally accomplished when the composition is in the fluid state by means of a nozzle. The composition, at this point in the procedure, will exhibit the characteristics of a deformable sealing mass due to the fact that it is not cured or fiuxed. The arcuate-shaped edge 12 around the periphery of the cylinder end is initially aligned with the sealing composition 13 in the channel 21, as illustrated in FIGURE 5, and then is impressed into the same as shown in FIGURE 6. The alignment of this arcuate-shaped edge in relation to the sealing composition 13 is such that they are substantially in coaxial relationship to each other. In any case, at this point, the circumference described by the exterior surface 33 of the arcuate-shaped edge 12 is less than that described by the interior surface of the indentations in the channel wall, while the circumference described by the interior surface 24 of the channel is less than that described by the interior wall 34 of the container. Some of the sealing composition 13 will be displaced to a new location within the channel as the arcuate-shaped edge 12 is impressed therein. The downward movement of the arcuate-shaped edge 12 will be stopped by contact with the interior surface of the indentation 25. The composition which is displaced will travel in the direction of the force of least resistance. Two areas of clearance exist in the channel, which at this point will afford no resistance to the flow of the sealing composition. One area exists between the interior surface 24 of the channel and the interior wall 34 of the cylinder, while another exists between the outermost surface 33 of the arcuate-shaped edge 12 and the upper interior surface 23 of the annular skirt 16. The level of the surface of the composition will therefore move upwardly into these areas of clearance due to the displacement of the compositions by the impressed arcuate-shaped edge 12 of the cylinder as illustrated in FIGURE 7. A substantial portion of the outer surface 33 of this arcuateshaped edge 12, and a section of the interior wall 34 of cylinder adjacent the mouth thereof, will be substantially enveloped by the composition due to the fact that the arcuate-shaped edge 12 is impressed therein, as illustrated in FIGURE 7. The container composite, at this point in the procedure, is introduced into the oven and subjected to a suitable heating cycle in order to substantially cure the composition in situ in the channel. This enables the composition to form a strong bond to the compatible lacquer on the closures surface. The composition itself is transformed into a resilient rubber-like sealing element 13a within which the arcuate-shaped edge 12 of the container is embedded. The arcuate-shaped edge 12 of the container is therefore held in position by a mechanical locking-in action due to the elastic nature of the rubberlike sealing element 13a. The open mouth of the container, as a result of this action, will be effectively sealed by the closure. The food pack is then introduced into the container through the opening which is defined by the walls of the container terminating in the outwardly radial projecting circumferential flange 32. This open end of the composite container is then adapted with an appropriate end closure (not shown) which is secured to the circumferential flange 32 by a double seam. This container is then inverted and the contents subjected to the normal processing cycles which are encountered in preparation of a food pack.

The closure 14 is very readily removed from the mouth of the container by the insertion and twisting of a fiat rigid object which is placed between the head 18 of the closures skirt 16 and the shoulder 31 of the container, as illustrated in FIGURE 8. The closure, when removed from the container and inverted, exposes a sealing el ment 13a in which is impressed a channel 27 in the form of a depressed annular ring of substantially the same dimensions as the arcuate-shaped edge 12 of the cylinder. This sealing element 13a, due to the fact that it is cured, is sufficiently elastic to enable effective rescaling of the container with the closure whenever desired. When the closure is to be reapplied to the container, it is telescoped over the mouth thereof and a downward pressure is exerted on the closure to force the arcuate-shaped edge 12 into impressed engagement with the depressed channel 27 in the sealing element 13a of the closure. In this reseal the annular skirt 16 of the closure will extend down adjacent the outside of the body and the top panel 15 will overlie the containers opening. An effective reseal of the container is thereby accomplished which remains tight throughout storage.

It is preferred to use as the sealing composition a plastisol composition such as the plastisol-based sealing compositions shown in US. Patent No. 2,528,506, issued to Allen B. Foye, as for example the composition of Example I of the patent. The fihns formed from these compositions are tough, rubbery and can be modified for desired sealing characteristics by formulation. The baked films of these compositions have been found to conform to both the irregularities in the closures channel 21 and those on the arcuate-shaped edge 12 of the container. This is because the sealing composition 13 is flowed or molded in the channel 21 and impressed with .the arcuate-shaped edge 12 of the container, which functions as a die, and then is transformed in situ from a liquid or deformable mass to a shaped sealing element 13a which is tough and elastic. The seal which is formed by this process is therefore a custom fit seal between the co-operating parts of this container, i.e. the body and the closure. This seal is very effective because it is a 5-point seal and is therefore a more positive seal than the ordinary seal which seals at one or two points. This S-point seal forms a contact with the interior and exterior side surfaces 33, 34 of the arcuate-shaped edge 12, and both the curved corner surfaces and the top finish thereof. Nhen the closure is removed from its seat on the container, as illustrated in FIGURE 8, an annular sealing channel 27 will be found in the sealing element 13a thereof. This annular channel, which is in the form of a depressed annular ring, is of the same dimensions as the surface of the arcuate-shaped edge 12 which was used to form it. An effective reseal of the container will always be accomplished when the closure is applied to the container with a slight amount of pressure in order to impress the arcuate-shaped edge 12 into the annular sealing channel 27. This effective reseal is accomplished because the sealing element 13a is somewhat elastic and therefore a snug fit will be formed when the arcuate-shaped edge is impressed into this channel.

It is apparent from the description and drawings that this composite container, which includes the combination of the cylindrical body and closure therefor, and the method of making the same is quite novel. The final seal between the closure and the container is so effective that it will withstand any of the normal pressures which may develop within the container as a result of processing. These normal pressures are usually'counterbalanced as would be conventional if a glass container was used. And finally, the product in the container will be adequately protected throughout storage and shipment. There will be no loss of product through contamination, decay or spoilage through the ingress of micro-organisms into the pack or the egress of vacuum from this container. This is because the effective seal of this composite container, which is a 5-point seal as heretofore described, due to the manner in which it is formed is custom-fit to the co-operating parts thereof, i.e. the closure and body thereof.

This application is a divisional application of copending application, Serial No. 817,590, filed on June 2, 1959, now abandoned.

I claim:

1. A method of making a resealable container which comprises providing a cylindrical can body having the terminal portion of one end folded over reversely upon itself to form an arcuate-shaped edge, providing a closure having a circular panel and a dependent skirt, said skirt having an inverted U-shaped channel in cross-section which is adapted to register with said arcuate-shaped edge when said closure is attached to said can body, depositing a fluid sealing composition in said channel while the closure is in inverted position, said sealing composition being convertible to a solid resilient sealing element, impressing said arcuate-shaped edge into said fluid composition to a depth suficient to cause said composition to flow around and substantially envelop the edge, and converting said composition to a solid resilient sealing element while the arcuate-shaped edge is impressed therein to produce a sealing element-containing closure wherein the sealing element has a permanent annular recess of substantially the same dimensions as the outer surface of the arcuate-shaped edge, said sealing element-containing closure being removably secured to the can body.

2. The method of claim 1 comprising in addition thereto providing a plurality of spaced indentions in said de- 6 pendent skirt which protrude into said channel to restrict the depth to which the said arcuate-shaped edge is impressed into the sealing composition.

3. The process of claim 1 in which the sealing composition is a plastisol.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 847,346 Krurnmel Dec. 17, 1907 1,997,291 Barroll Apr. 9, 1935 2,019,360 Punte Oct. 29, 1935 2,023,341 DOWnes-ShaW et a1. Dec. 3, 1935 2,047,720 Wilhelm July 114, 193-6 2,047,977 McGowan July 21, 1936 2,854,095 Slaughter Jan. 29, 1952 2,762,381 Rainer Sept. 11, 1956 2,795,348 Knnick June 11, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 541, 171 Canada May 21, 1957 

1. A METHOD OF MAKING A RESEALABLE CONTAINER WHICH COMPRISES PROVIDING A CLINDRICAL CAN BODY HAVING THE TERMINAL PORTION OF ONE END FOLDED OVER REVERSELY UPON ITSELF TO FORM AN ARCUATE-SHAPED EDGE, PROVIDING A CLOSURE HAVING A CIRCULAR PANEL AND A DEPENDENT SKIRT, SAID SKIRT HAVING AN INVERTED U-SHAPED CHANNEL IN CROSS-SECTION WHICH IS ADAPTED TO REGISTER WITH SAID ARCUATE-SHAPED EDGE WHEN SAID CLOSURE IS ATTACHED TO SAID CAN BODY, DEPOSITING A FLUID SEALING COMPOSITION IN SAID CHANNEL WHILE THE CLOSURE IS IN INVERTED POSITION, SAID SEALING COMPOSITION BEING CONVERTIBLE TO A SOLID RESILIENT SEALING ELEMENT, IMPRESSING SAID ARCUATE-SHAPED EDGE INTO SAID FLUID COMPOSITION TO A DEPTH SUFFICIENT TO CAUSE SAID COMPOSITION TO FLOW AROUND AND SUBSTANTIALLY ENVELOP THE EDGE, AND CONVERTING SAID COMPOSITION TO A SOLID RESILIENT SEALING ELEMENT WHILE THE ARCUATE-SHAPED EDGE IS IMPRESSED THEREIN TO PRODUCE A SEALING ELEMENT-CONTAINING CLOSURE WHEREIN THE SEALING ELEMENT HAS A PERMANENT ANNULAR RECESS OF SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME DIMENSIONS AS THE OUTER SURFACE OF THE ARCUATE-SHAPED EDGE, SAID SEALING ELEMENT-CONTAINING CLOSURE BEING REMOVABLY SECURED TO THE CAN BODY. 